Guides

Introduction to skiing & snowboarding in Japan

Many people unfamiliar with winter in Japan are surprised by how much snow falls in the country's mountainous regions and the scale of its winter sports industry.

The appeal of skiing and snowboarding in Japan includes traditionally reliable snowfall, substantial snow accumulations across numerous mountain ranges, often excellent powder conditions, varied terrain, hundreds of ski areas, convenient access by road and rail, and natural onsen hot springs to enjoy after a day on the slopes.

While skiing has been part of Japanese winter culture for more than a century, it is only in recent decades that Japan's ski areas have gained wider international recognition and become increasingly popular with overseas visitors.

These guides looks at how skiing was introduced to Japan, how the ski industry developed over the decades, and how it continues to evolve today.

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan

An introduction to Japan's winter sports scene, snowfall, ski areas, and the factors that have brought increasing international attention to the country.

Major ski regions of Japan

An overview of some of Japan's best-known ski regions, including Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata, Tohoku, Gunma and Central Japan.

The history of skiing in Japan

How skiing developed in Japan, from its early introduction in the 1910s to the growth of ski areas and winter sports around the country.

Ski area development in Japan

The expansion of ski areas, lifts and facilities throughout the 20th century, along with the challenges facing the industry today.

The ski boom and snowboarding

The dramatic ski boom of the 1980s, the arrival of snowboarding in the 1990s, and changing trends since then.

Inbound tourism and the modern era

An overview of the growth of overseas tourism, its impact on Japan's ski areas, and how the industry continues to evolve.

The ski season in Japan

A look at ski lifts, facilities, lessons, night skiing and the growing range of winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding.

Ski area facilities and snow activities

Ski lifts, facilities, lessons, night skiing and the growing range of winter activities offered at Japanese ski areas.

Sidecountry & backcountry skiing and snowboarding

How ski areas approach access beyond official boundaries, including gates, rules and the increasing interest in ungroomed terrain.

The cost of skiing and snowboarding in Japan

An overview of lift tickets, accommodation, equipment rental, transport and other costs associated with a ski trip in Japan.

Off the slopes

Food, onsen hot springs and other features of ski towns and mountain regions throughout Japan.

Appendix: Common Japanese ski area names

An explanation of common terms found in ski area names and why SnowJapan generally uses established Japanese naming conventions.

Appendix: Frequently asked questions

Reference answers to frequently asked questions about skiing and snowboarding in Japan, including ski area numbers, terminology, naming conventions and principles used throughout SnowJapan.

Travel guides

Introductory information on travelling around Japan, including trains, driving and major airports. Covers transport options commonly used by visitors travelling throughout the country, including to snow regions.

Airports in Japan

Overview information on major airports commonly used by visitors to Japan, including access options, transport connections and travel times to nearby cities and regions.

Trains in Japan

An introduction to Japan's rail network, including train types, tickets, rail passes, urban transport systems and travel to snow regions.

Driving in Japan

Information on driving in Japan, including licences, rental vehicles, road types, expressways and winter driving in snow regions.